Why You Should Not Buy A New Inboard/Outboard Boat - or Sterndrive Boat

Are Inboard Outboard or I/O boats becoming a thing of the past? Outboard engines are better than ever and I think they are making the inboard outboard engine (or sterndrive) option obsolete. This video covers the positives and negatives of an IO boat and looks at how several manufacturers like Sea Ray, Four Winns and Cobalt are now offering outboard engine options because the time is right. If you're shopping for a new boat in 2022 or going to be shopping for new boats in 2023, going with an outboard engine vs a sterndrive or an inboard/outboard seems like the right choice!

If you are shopping for a new boat and are considering whether to get an inboard/outboard engine option or whether an outboard motor would be an option to consider, I cover some things to consider and whether an outboard engine is a better choice for a new boat purchase. If you are shopping for a new boat this year I believe an outboard engine is a better option - if you have a choice between buying or ordering one with a sterndrive or I/O inboard/outboard engine.

#inboardoutboard #boatshopping #sterndrive

00:00 Introduction
00:10 The positive aspects of a sterndrive or inboard/outboard boat
00:48 Negative aspects of a sterndrive or inboard/outboard boat
03:08 Why Inboard/Outboard or Sterndrive boats are becoming less popular
04:39 Why an outboard engine is a better choice than an inboard/outboard or sterndrive
05:54 An outboard engine does not have the same negatives as a sterndrive or I/O engine
07:02 Reasons why an outboard engine is a better option when buying a new boat
08:20 Special cameo appearance by @Alfred Montaner

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[jessebalboa]

Too many good times with my family on our inboard/outboard. The extended swim platform and ability to hang out at the stern are just too appealing. Of course, I’ve got a Cobalt and can only speak of the Cobalt reliability, but I’ve never had an issue with bellows, engine fires, etc. Of course, I keep up with the maintenance. I’m also no obsessed with speed, so power is not a priority.

[davidreynolds]

Agree with everything he said, but there is one additional thing to consider: Handling characteristics. Outboard engined boats handle differently because the weight is farther back and the prop hinges a bit differently. This gives outboard boats more of a feel of the engine pushing the rear end of the boat from side to side to steer. Whereas an inboard/outboard feels more intuitive and integrated. It's more of a sporty steering feel in my opinion. I happen to like the feel. That said, I think outboard is still the way to go. Just wanted to mention handling characteristics because they are quite important to some of us.

[jasoncrymes]

I still prefer an I/0. They look cleaner and not having to worry about my kids and friends messing with the prop are all perks. Most of the problems encountered with I/Os comes from not maintaining them properly and not inspecting the bellows every year for replacement.

[jacquespoirier]

for a DIY, the inboard engine have many advantages, the first one is they are based on automotive counterparts so many parts can be way cheaper if you can choose correctly.
the inboard engine offers way more possibilities to customize, just say indirect cooling that is a major asset in salt water
the inbard engine can be an asset in the weight distribution of a boat, with a jack shaft, it can be located in the center of the boat leading to better stability in heavy sea.
you can add many features as A/C, freezer, cabin heater, heavy electrical system, hydraulics and much more, all driven by the engine.
an outboard motor is as it is and can not truly be customized but it have its advantages for a small boat as you described
very good video.

[brycekrulic]

I'm an I/O guy, and I've found many more advantages over the years:
1) Not many folks are trying to squeeze their boat into their garage, but with me, I have 2 to 3 feet more room with an I/O over an OB with the same overall length boat. Wouldn't fit the same boat that has OB(s).
2) Tax, title, and fee's: many states require a separate title and sometimes registration for each OB motor, almost as if each one is a separate boat itself! And in my state, there is an uncapped excise tax for a new OB motor. Not so for a replacement I/O motor, albeit a much lesser sales tax.
3) There are more Alpha drives in existence than any one OB model. And Bravo drives are not far behind. Parts will never be scarce, unlike many OB's that have many variations. Like the V8's that those drives compliment, availability of parts is their superpower. Now the skills and/or patience to install those parts, I yield that those could be ever so decreasing.
4) The I/O engine itself lasts longer than even a power head of a 4 stroke OB with matching HP. Higher torque wins the long game of slugging a boat out of the water onto plane 100's of times.
5) I disagree with easier re-powering with an OB. With an I/O, you don't have to replace the outdrive and the engine at the same time. If you're savy, you can plan a staggered replacement of either and not break the bank with 300+ HP. Not so great that larger OB's are ~$100/HP. So 300 HP OB ~ $30, 000, not including installation. I/O will never be this much for that amount of power.

[bparks_]

I've got a 2002 Crownline 202 5.7efi Volvo I/O and I love it. I honestly cant picture an outboard in my near future. I grew up on outboard boats and I vastly prefer the I/O for 'family' boating. I trailer it everywhere and I'm quite familiar with old GM V8's so I honestly enjoy maintaining it.

[jalbert]

Wayne, years ago I was Director of Advertising at Thunderbird/Formula. And I had the honor of meeting and sitting to talk with Dick Cole, the inventor of the cathedral hull. Dick explained to me that Inboard/Outboard was a terrible drive system. So, I would like to add one huge disadvantage to your list...directly from Dick Cole. Dick explained why straight inboard is the most reliable, outboards are #2, and I/O is by far, #3. It is because an I/O has to take the power from the engine, hundreds of foot pounds of torque, and make 2 full 90 degree turns to get that power onto the prop. That is insane from an engineering standpoint. Worse, the top of an I/O not only has to turn it 90 degrees, but also needs to be able to steer (!). The I/O in effect tears itself apart over time (as any I/O owner will attest). They are thus high maintenance and subject to a multitude of failing parts. Jon Levy

[garageworker]

I feel like there is also a show off factor for outboards. Nothing like having four 300 HP motors hanging off the back of your boat to get attention.

[ThatIowaGuy]

I feel like a lot of these situations could be prevented from actually taking care of your boat inboard outboard’s are amazing I like outboards because they’re nice and reliable and easy to work on but it’s pretty easy to check your oil all I have to do is lift up a big seat and check the dipstick!

[HodgPodg]

I have a feeling I/O's will be around for a long while, the superior looks and swim platform area will out weigh the disadvantages, at least on fresh water. I picture I/O surviving on fresh water boats and outboards taking over on salt water (at least for smaller boats, bigger will retain straight inboards), best thing is getting the entire system high and dry for salt.

[TTURocketDoc]

I agree with some of your points but not all. I/O are a pain to service due to poor access but basic stuff like oil change and winterizing are easy. The marine growth Is not a fair point because you should have antifouling on the lower unit along with the rest of the hull if your storing on the water. And a bellows failure will not sink a boat fast, it will leak but it's not a straight shot into to bilge, water must leak thru the bearing which is packed full of grease or defeat the 2 shaft o-rings. I biggest cons against outboard imo is you can't pull a tube or skier without a tower and your prop is highly exposed to swimmers which is a nonstarter with kids.

[jayelwin]

Sea Ray 270 I/O can’t beat the flip down swim platform seating. I/O all day every day.

[ltownandfriends]

if i were in the market i would still get an I/O.. even today... even with all the downsides. I just prefer the way they look and sound (that deep v8 idling sound is just amazing). i would also consider a jet boat as those systems have improved a lot over the years and still give you that clean look. selection is currently very small on jet boats but im sure that will change

[paulpuglia]

I had a uesd 25ft. Sea Ray Sundancer I buy used it was 10 years old never had any issues with it I love my inboard outboard engine. My 2nd boat was 10 years old Formula 27ft. with twins 8 inboard outboard loved it. Everyone I know that had inboard outboard engine's didn't have all these issues that you're talking about and I didn't either, I would take an inboard outboard boat over and outdrive any day and I buy my boats used they're too expensive new so to each is own. Here in Michigan you mostly see inboard outboard boats. Love your channel I noticed that your not putting them out like you used to God bless be safe ciao for now.

[risby]

The primary problem with I/O and outboards is where they are mounted (stern heavy) Okay for small boats, but traditional inboards with the engines mounted close to amidships seem to be the best solution for a larger boat . My boat has 2 very heavy engines mounted just aft of amidships and definitely keeps the sea better than similar boats with their engines mounted at the stern. Plus inboards don't have the complexity of the I/O or V-drive options.

But for God's sake run the blower before you start any inboard and when you are in a no wake zone.

[FishinSucks]

I'll stick with my mercruiser i/o . Never had an issue with bellows, or any of the other problems you mentioned . Winterizing an i/o is a piece of cake if you have the stuff to do it (not expensive either) don't need a big ass engine hanging in the way on the back of the boat . Common sense and proper maintenance and non of the issues you mentioned are a problem . Don't do proper maintenance on an outboard and it will be a headache also . Choose the engine that fits your needs .

[nickbear]

I thought I would never have anything other than an outboard. I was an outboard snob. I bought a new to me i/o in March. I love it. Nothing like the growl of a V8 chevy 305 in my boat. Edit, and maintenance is very easy. Just depends on what size area the motor is in. I've had zero issues with having enough room for checking oil and changing impeller...the one thing that is definitely a downside to me is the outdrive not being able to lift up out of the water. That's pretty much it, though.

[shaunelewis]

I have had both and the big issue with outboards is the price and cost to repair are much higher also outboards put all the weight on the back of the transom which causes stress cracks. The other plus for an I/O is the weight is more balanced and lower center of gravity and no way are outboards quieter. I/O's aren't going anywhere.

[paulpotter]

My 1998 SeaRay 185 was bought used 15 years ago. I’ve had no major problems with it. However it’s only in the water for 5 months of the year and I winterized it for storage including draining all water out of the engine. Oil and gear lube change every year etc. Stored outside all winter with a Navigloo in -10 to-30 degree temps. Hopefully will get many more years. 🥰

[forrestmorrisjr]

As a long time boater, Having Inboards, I/Os, and Now OB's, here's my take.
We bought a single 240 Vantage BW, with a 400HP OB, BW does NOT offer any option I'm aware of other than a OB, as most sub 40 footers are this class, many with multiple OBs.
Whats my preference, Twin IB's wins hands down, but most of those boats won't trailer behind my F350, won't fit in my NH owned slip 31'1" (Dont' Ask), or the Lift we have in NC.
Which leads me to the following, a IO is not the best choice for salt/brackish water as we have in NC, the NH slip is freshwater so it's a non issue but owning 2 boats is way more aggravation than I want.
So, IO vs OB, it's a personal call and how your intended use your boat, BW only offers OB's for a reason as most others do in the fishing boat category, or if one can afford or store the Deep Sea fishing battle cruiser an IB is your likely choice.
I personally won't diss on OB's or IO's, some things I like about both and some things I don't, if you strictly freshwater boat an IO will serve you well, but, as others have pointed out a BIG OB or even better a multitude of them is just way to cool